Are you a normal human being? If so, you probably procrastinate in some areas of your life. Putting off stuff you just don’t want to do, stalling when you feel blocked, letting things stack up because you feel overwhelmed. Which of these sounds familiar?

The good news is that procrastination is just a strategy and one that can be easily shifted. And most of the time, the tasks that seem so daunting are much easier once you stop resisting them. But, you have to want to change the resistance pattern before you can really make progress.

As a parent, you have so little time anyway. The things you put off are likely to never get done. My good friend and professional organizer Krista Colvin says: "Now is the new later."

Here are five simple steps to shifting out of procrastination and into action:

1. How does procrastination affect your life? You are not going to be willing to change until become aware of how procrastinating is impacting your life. When you put things off, you tend to get even more overwhelmed. Sometimes relationships are challenged because your friends and family feel frustrated when you don’t follow through. You also have trouble reaching your goals when you are constantly resisting move forward. And resisting something often takes more energy than just doing it anyway! The truth is that procrastination keeps you stuck and hampers your success.


2. What do you really want? Often the things you are putting off are the things you don’t want to be doing anyway? Do the bills sit in piles and don’t get paid on time? Set up an on-line bill pay service. Are you always late for work? Time to rethink how you feel about your job. Putting off calling that friend back? Perhaps it is time to have the real conversation you have been avoiding, like changing the relationship. Procrastination can be a wonderful sign that it is either time to let something go or get some outside help.


3. Who can help you? Sometimes the projects and tasks we are avoiding are the ones that are most challenging for us. Getting some outside help or information can really make a difference! If cleaning out the garage is daunting, ask a friend who is really great at organizing to come and help you. Haven’t filed your taxes? Hire an accountant; it is worth every penny they will save you in penalties.


4. Make a plan: Make a list (right now, don’t put it off!) of all the things you have been putting off. Decide which ones you can let go of, which ones you can delegate and which ones you really want to do accomplish. Now, visit our previous post about goal setting and create your plan of action.


5. Celebrate your success! We bet you feel really great now that you have some things checked off your list! Remember to notice what is different in your life now that you are moving forward rather than stuck in gear. Reflecting on the positive change that happens when you get stuff accomplished will inspire you the next time you feel stuck in a procrastination cycle.

So, go ahead and tell us: What have you been putting off that you are now ready to complete? (I had been putting off writing this post and whew, I feel great now that it is done!)